Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul Gets Very Real

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Iron Mike Tyson and Jake Paul’s boxing match, presented by Netflix, is now officially sanctioned as a pro fight by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.

“Mike Tyson and Jake Paul signed on to fight each other with the desire to do so in a sanctioned professional fight that would have a definitive outcome,” Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said in a statement to ESPN. “Over the past six weeks, MVP has worked with its partners to satisfy the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) to sanction Paul vs. Tyson, and we are grateful that we have gotten to this point.”

The fight will be 8 rounds long, with 14-ounce gloves, affecting their professional records. At 50-6-44 KOs, Mike Tyson, 57, is one of the youngest heavyweight champions ever and arguably one of the greatest boxers. At 9-1-6 KOs, Jake Paul, 27, is best known for his devastating overhand punch. 

Tyson is taking his fight with Paul seriously and abstaining from marijuana and sex during training camp. Paul revealed his plans to beat the icon via knockout in Dallas, Texas this July, though he admitted it would be a dream come true.

Tyson and Paul have a 30-year age difference. Tyson hasn’t won a pro boxing match since Feb 2003 and lost two matches after his 50th win. Paul’s last two wins have been via knockout. 

Netflix’s first combat sports event will feature the highly anticipated rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. The fight will take place as the co-main event, with Taylor defending her undisputed super lightweight championship. The two first met in 2022, with Taylor winning by split decision.